Is Apple Making Cars a Serious Business?

Hyundai is the latest automaker to enter into a partnership with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to use the Siri Eyes Free service in its vehicles. The Eyes Free mode, which Apple announced at its Worldwide Developer Conference in June, lets drivers connect a compatible iOS device to the car’s dashboard and use the Siri personal assistant program to access the gadget’s features.

Siri integration is done through Bluetooth and lets drivers use the program to make phone calls, write text messages, change the radio station, and make calendar appointments.

“Through the vehicle’s infotainment system, drivers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel,” Hyundai said in a release, though it did not specify which car models will get the new technology. The Korean automaker also said last week that it would integrate the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps API into its vehicles.

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At the June event, Apple had announced partnerships with several car manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota (NYSE:TM), Chrysler, Honda (NYSE:HMC), and General Motors (NYSE:GM).